The news of the deployment of an Iron Dome battery in the Gush Dan region has left many residents with the feeling that a missile attack is imminent based on current realities in Israel today.

While the Iron Dome has become a familiar site in the southern area, it is a new reality in the heart of the Tel Aviv area, which is now well within rocket range of Israel’s enemies.

Truth be said, the IAF has hesitated regarding deployment of the rocket intercept system in Gush Dan, fearing it would result in a measure of panic, but this consideration was outweighed by the fact Hamas is armed with Fajar-5 rockets than can strike the Gush Dan region from Gaza.

Officials are pleased with the Iron Dome’s performance in southern areas, explaining it has eliminated 75% of incoming rocket threats, intercepting a missile launched from Gaza before it can reach its objective.

It should be noted that the system is designed to intercept the rockets used by Hamas in Gaza, but it is not effective against longer range rockets such as those in the Hizbullah arsenal in southern Lebanon.

Regarding the latter, Israel’s military industry continues development of the Magic Wand system, intended to provide the answer to the more advanced attacks.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)